It’s been over a month since the NBA season began. Based on what we have seen in the 1st month, I will re-pick the recent draft.

1. 76ers – Markelle Fultz

I get it, Fultz hasn’t played a minute of NBA basketball where he isn’t under health concerns. However, the 76ers have problems with players when it comes to injury. Look how Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have turned out with those injuries. With a change in shooting form, we thought Fultz might be a bust. But that isn’t on people’s mind with the fact that he had to change it because of his injury. It is too early to say Fultz should not still be the #1 overall pick.

2. Lakers – Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball hasn’t been shooting well, but if he can figure out his shot he will take the #1 overall spot on the list. Lonzo Ball is perfect for the Lakers. You always want guys on the Lakers that have big personalities. Lonzo is perfect as we know his family is always being talked about. A lot of NBA players do not like Lonzo Ball, however, he still puts up over 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Players like Bradley Beal and John Wall did not respect Ball and the Lakers, and after they played them they changed their opinion. After players start respecting Lonzo Ball, he might average 9 rebounds and 9 assists. If he can figure out his shooting form then we might see him doing the Westbrook, averaging a triple-double.

3. Celtics – Jayson Tatum

Like the Lakers and 76ers, Tatum is picked by the team he was actually picked in the draft. Tatum is impressing for the Celtics, and perfectly fits their system playing alongside sophomore NBA player Jaylen Brown. When Gordon Hayward got injured in the 1st game, questions were asked about the team. Who was going to take that step in? Tatum has taken a step up for a contending team, as a rookie. I don’t see why he wouldn’t be picked by the Celtics, as 14.2 PPG and 5.9 RPG is really impressive.

4. Suns – Lauri Markkanen

Looking like the next Zinger, Markkanen is a candidate for rookie of the year. The Suns have Devin Booker and a lot of depth at the Guard position, meaning a big man like Markkanen would play well. A stretch 4 for the Suns would be nice as they have no one there that complements the rebounding centers. And by Centers, I mean Chandler, Len, Bender, and Monroe. All the Centers rebound, and power forwards Chriss and Williams don’t shoot. When you think about it, the scoring comes from Booker and then really no one. They need a second option, and Markkanen would have been the guy if they had picked him instead of a defensive player in Josh Jackson.

5. Kings – Donavon Mitchell

Donavon Mitchell has been great for the Jazz, and by that I mean amazing. He has averaged 14.3 PPG as well as performances such as 24 against the T-Wolves and 26 against the Nets. The Kings paid George Hill in Free Agency, and with Buddy Hield in the team, Mitchell would be the perfect 3.

6. Magic – Dennis Smith Jr.

The Magic need scoring, and for them to pick Isaac that is the opposite. I did an interview with 4th Quarter, who is an excellent blogger(https://4thquarter17.wordpress.com.) He told me before and after the draft, the Magic would benefit from drafting Dennis Smith. Why is this? He provides scoring, which is what they need. Elfrid Payton is decent, but the way Smith is playing is even better.

7. Bulls – Kyle Kuzma

The steal of the draft, Kuzma is performing at a massive level for the Lakers. The Bulls would take Markkanen over Kuzma, but if they were forced to have Kuzma on the team they would be content with it. 16.8 PPG is better then everyone so far on this list. That is a late 1st round pick. Kuzma is proving his worth to the Lakers, which is why he is getting picked by the Bulls.

8. Knicks – DeAaron Fox

With Fox dropping to the 8th pick, the Knicks have to take him. They need a second all-star with Kristaps, and Fox would hopefully provide that. Fox is the fastest player to come out of the draft, and a pair of Fox and Zinger might be deadly. Fox is not in the right position. He has only started 6 games this year, which he should have started 15 by now. His explosiveness is ideal for the Garden, and with him dropping late it is a no-brainer for the Knicks.

9. Mavericks – Frank Ntilikina

To be honest, after the 8th pick the draft gets significantly worse. The Mavericks got a steal with Smith Jr, however here they have to pick Ntilikina. With the Mavericks not playing well this year, Ntilikina would receive a lot of minutes in order to develop. Not much to say about Ntilikina but the fact he is showing potential and could be a decent starter in the future.

10. Trail Blazers – John Collins

Zach Collins was a bad idea for the Blazers, which is why the other Collins would be a great option. 11.8 PPG and 7.5 RPG does not show how good he is. His dunking ability is pretty incredible, and something I suggest watching a Hawks game. John Collins would help the trio of Lillard, McCollum, and Nurkic.